Judge Sharon Zeller, who runs the Broward misdemeanor drug court program, plays a video in her courtroom twice daily that shows the reality of people high on the drug, flakka. Both she, and Juvenile Delinquency Judge Elijah Williams, joined other community leaders at a recent “No Flakka” panel discussion at Dillard High School. Open to the public, and drawing a crowd of hundreds, the eight-person panel discussed how this synthetic drug is wreaking havoc in Broward, and across south Florida. 

According to the county medical examiner’s office, more than 40 people have died this year as a result of using the drug. A collaborative effort between law enforcement, elected officials and other community leaders has formed to fight flakka in Broward, and the panel is just one of many outlets being used to get the word out about the dangers of the drug. 

On Wednesday, October 21, 2015, members of the American Academy of Psychiatry and the Law (AAPL) visited the central courthouse after choosing Broward’s Misdemeanor Mental Health Court for an educational site visit. The organization of international and national forensic psychiatrists was in town for its national conference.

The visitors enjoyed a master class in the history of the development of Broward County’s pioneering Misdemeanor Mental Health Court and also participated in a working lunch forum which included Judge Lerner-Wren, Chief Judge Peter Weinstein and members of Broward’s Mental Health Criminal Justice stakeholder community.

The 17th Circuit Court family was saddened to learn of the passing of retired Judge Robert Lance Andrews on Friday, October 9, 2015. Services were held Monday, October 19, 2015 from 5:00pm – 7:00pm at Landmark Funeral Home, 4200 Hollywood Blvd.

Broward County Bar Association’s new 2015-2016 president, Robin Moselle, was sworn in by 17^th Circuit Chief Judge Peter M. Weinstein during the Broward County Bar Association’s installation event, June 18, 2015.

Congratulations Ms. Moselle! 

The 17^th Judicial Circuit’s Chief Judge, Peter M. Weinstein, was this year’s recipient of the Stephen R. Booher Award, presented by outgoing president John Jordan on June 18, 2015 at the Broward County Bar Association’s installation. The honor recognizes jurists who display humanity, integrity, and dedication to the Bench, Bar, and Community. 

Congratulations Judge Weinstein!